Exploring treacherous dungeons in pursuit of treasures and magical gems is a hallmark of classic board games, much like the delightful pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. Among these, Talisman: The Magical Quest Game series stands out, brilliantly capturing the thrill of such adventures. First introduced in 1983 by Games Workshop—better known today for their Warhammer and Lord of the Rings tabletop games—Talisman presented players with a rich world to explore and conquer in their quest for the Crown of Command. Fast forward more than four decades, and Avalon Hill is ushering in the fifth edition of Talisman. Once again, adventurers are challenged to brave dragons and claim the coveted crown.
In this enchanting game, you and up to five friends choose from twelve unique characters to embark on your quest for the Crown of Command. Whether you’re a swift thief, a knowledgeable wizard, or a strong warrior, this latest version stays true to the original gameplay. Roll the dice, move to a new location, and draw adventure cards, which might reveal anything from a fearsome monster or magical item to a fateful tavern visit. The journey continues in turns, with each player striving to acquire a Talisman relic, navigate through the Valley of Fire, defeat the imposing Elder Dragon, and seize the Crown of Command.
Talisman’s enduring simplicity—or perhaps its nostalgic charm—remains a selling point. In an era of expansive campaign-style board games filled with intricate adventures, such as Elden Ring or Divinity: Original Sin, and Avalon Hill’s own HeroQuest, Talisman offers a less intimidating, more affordable entry point for newcomers or younger players. It might not be my top pick for a night of gaming with seasoned enthusiasts, but it’s certainly a delightful option for a family evening or introducing friends to the world of board gaming.
While your choices each turn might seem basic next to more contemporary adventure games, the real allure of Talisman lies in its age-old conundrum: Do I focus on getting stronger, or should I forge ahead? This balance—the need to become powerful enough to vanquish the final dragon without lagging behind—introduces an element of second-guessing to every decision. How much risk are you willing to take by skipping an enemy, hoping that pushing forward gives you an edge?
In Talisman, luck plays a significant role, with dice rolls influencing nearly every aspect. It’s a bit like “Adventure Monopoly,” albeit far more enjoyable and quicker to play. Movement is determined by a die roll, your direction is the only choice, and outcomes of various encounters are decided by additional dice or random card draws. Though the fifth edition introduces a Fate resource for re-rolling dice or strategically moving farther, it doesn’t quite do enough to lessen the reliance on luck. I would have appreciated new features enhancing the element of strategy.
This edition also introduces improvements that speed up gameplay and make it less harsh. For instance, the well-known Toad transformation now only lasts one turn, instead of three. Moreover, character death has been revamped—items and followers remain intact, and players only need to return to the Village to purchase extra lives, softening the blow but perhaps diminishing some of the game’s thrill and stakes.
Graphical updates such as beautiful new artwork are a step in the right direction, yet parts of Talisman Fifth Edition feel a bit dated. Text sizes on the board and cards could be more accessible, and although the rulebook describes space details, a player aid would have been extremely useful. Components like the stat tracking cones could benefit from an update too. Adjustments to distinguish cone sizes more clearly, such as varying shapes or textures, would enhance the playing experience. Hopefully, a future premium add-on will address this, but for now, custom prints or the dedicated fan community might be the way to go.
On the topic of add-ons, Talisman has built a reputation for its numerous expansions, as detailed in our Talisman buying guide. The current edition has already introduced its first expansion, something unprecedented in Talisman’s history—a cooperative mode. The Talisman Alliances expansion, available on Amazon, offers a fresh twist, turning the base game into a campaign-like experience where players collaborate to tackle five Trials, with rewards carried forward in the game.
Opening envelopes and small boxes adds a strategic dimension, and my friends and I enjoyed contemplating how best to complete objectives, exchanging resources, and bracing as challenges ramped up. Although swapping cards from the main deck before playing wasn’t ideal, the clear instructions in the Alliances rulebook made resetting straightforward.
Even in 2024, Talisman Fifth Edition mostly feels like a relic of gaming past, with familiar mechanics that might seem outdated to some while nostalgically charming to others. Personally, I wish it emphasized strategy over luck but also value the newest rules that make it approachable and brisk. The Alliances expansion further enhances Talisman as an excellent doorway into adventure board gaming, especially with its appealing price point.
